DASSEL-COKATO, MN  In the last few years, Zumba studios have been the place to be as women of all ages look for a fresh way of getting a workout.

Now, Zumba instructors like Heidi Rostberg of Darwin, are taking the Latin exercise sensation to the water with Aqua Zumba.

Two years ago, Rostberg attended her first Zumba class in Cokato, and from that very first night, she knew it was something that would stay with her.

That enthusiasm led her to become a certified Zumba instructor and, later, a certified Aqua Zumba instructor.

“I’m the type of person who is looking for new things,” Rostberg said.

She is teaching her first Aqua Zumba class beginning Wednesday through DC Community Education.

“I’m so excited for this . . . because it’s Zumba, so it still has that Latin flavor, but yet it’s completely different because it’s in the water,” she exclaimed.

Since participants are basically dancing in water, Rostberg said there is that extra resistance one gets that adds to the cardio, making for a really effective workout.

“I was amazed when I got certified how I was still huffing and puffing,” she commented.

After becoming Zumba-certified, Rostberg went on to become certified in Zumba Toning, which incorporates 1- to 2-pound weights with the Zumba moves.

“There was nothing about it I didn’t like,” Rostberg said.

When she heard of Aqua Zumba about eight months ago, Rostberg couldn’t wait to give it a try.

She decided that summer was coming and “what a great way to switch up your workout.” Rostberg explained that it’s important for people to switch up their workouts so they don’t get bored.

In addition to the fun exercise, Zumba is also very much a social event. “It’s a dance party in the water,” she said.

As far as how it compares to traditional Zumba, Aqua Zumba shares some of the same moves, however, the tempo is slower, but the movements are exaggerated because of the water, Rosterg explained.

For those who might be a bit timid to be learning new dance moves in front of others, Rostberg advised people to just remember that the instructor and the rest of the class are trying to concentrate on their own moves. And with Aqua Zumba, it’s in the water, so people really can’t see one another. The instructor, however, remains out of the water so participants can see the moves.

Rostberg’s motto is “No experience necessary, just a desire to join the party  I promise you won’t be disappointed in yourself.”

“I want them to walk out my door proud of themselves,” she said.

One doesn’t even need to know how to swim in order to participate in Aqua Zumba. Rostberg explained that the workout is in water that will only reach to the high waist.